Welcome to the Isle of Wight u3a web site. We are part of the UK-wide u3a network and our aim it to help our members make the most of life once they are no longer in full time work by exploring new ideas, skills and interests while making new friends.
Who we are
There is no age restriction to joining the u3a and we aim to enable all our members to learn, stay active and have fun. It’s local, social, friendly, low-cost and open to all. There are general get-togethers and group meetings.
Groups
Groups are at the heart of the u3a. Set by any member that wants to share their interests – learning, discussing, walking, photography, literature. We currently have nearly 30 active groups
Joining us
The u3a is a non-profit charity run by volunteers. We charge £20 per year for membership which helps us pay our expenses for staying in touch (website) and general admin expenses.
The national u3a movement is non-religious and non-political. It started with one u3a in 1981 and there are now more than 1000 locations across the UK that have a u3a. Each u3a is self-funded and operates independently, the national ‘umbrella’ body is called the Third Age Trust which provides support, resources, online courses and much more to members (u3a.org.uk).
We have nearly 30 groups for different activities including:
Literature and reading
Arts and craft
Board and card games
Musical groups
Outdoor physical activities
Languages
Visits…
You can see a full list of our current groups here. Some of our groups meet on regular dates each month, and some are scheduled more randomly. Our monthly diary has details of group meetings. To join a group, just contact the group leader shown in the group listing.
We have a monthly speaker meeting in Newport and monthly coffee mornings in Cowes, Newport, Ryde and Newport all of which are open to all members.
Membership of the Isle of Wight costs £20 per year. People join for many reasons – to meet new people, learn something new, stay active, live life to the full and have FUN!
How Does it Work?
The Isle of Wight u3a is entirely run by volunteers and is managed by an elected committee that meets monthly. They manage the accounts and organise things like the newsletter, diary, website and events that are open to all members. The Groups which are at the heart of our u3a are organised by members who volunteer to form their own interest groups. There is no limit to the number of groups as long as someone steps forward to host them! They can meet in members’ homes, village halls or anywhere else appropriate.
Joining
We are always happy to have new members. If you want to have a chat to someone about joining you can call our membership secretary or get in touch with a group leader. There is a contact form on this website if you are more comfortable with written communication.